City of SP records 3 cases of monkeypox in children

The capital of São Paulo recorded three cases of children with monkeypox (monkeypox), informed the Municipal Health Department. According to the folder, all are under monitoring and no signs of aggravation. This was the first official announcement of cases of the disease in children in the country.

The secretariat also states that the municipal health network – such as the UBSs (Basic Health Units) – is able to deal with suspected cases of monkeypox.

Cases in children are worrying because they are more vulnerable to complications from the disease. Another country that has already confirmed diagnoses in minors was the US, with two cases.

Brazil already has 1,066 confirmed diagnoses of the disease, according to the Ministry of Health. The ministry also announced, this Thursday (28), the creation of an emergency committee for monkeypox.

The disease is spread mainly by touching the skin lesions that patients have. In the current outbreak, research already shows that the spread of the disease occurs during sexual activities.

However, cases in children, where sexual activity does not occur, demonstrate that anyone can become infected by having close contact with the patients’ lesions.

Another form of infection is by respiratory droplets such as coughing and sneezing. In this case, very close and prolonged contact with the infected person is necessary.

The main form of prevention is isolating patients with monkeypox to prevent other people from coming into contact with the sick. Vaccination in priority groups and in people who have had recent contact with the sick are also important measures to protect themselves from the disease.

So far, Brazil does not have immunizers. The country, through PAHO (Pan American Health Organization), hopes to obtain vaccines with the aim of vaccinating groups at greater risk, such as health professionals who have direct contact with the virus.